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Local and Remote Visualization Techniques for Interactive Direct Volume Rendering in Neuroradiology¹

¹ From the Division of Neuroradiology (B.F.T., W.J.H., K.E.W.E.), Computer Graphics Group (P.H., C.R.S.), and Department of Neurosurgery (P.H., R.N., O.G., C.N.), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; and the Visualization and Interactive Systems Group, University of Stuttgart, Germany (K.E., T.E.). Presented as an infoRAD exhibit at the 2000 RSNA scientific assembly. Received March 12, 2001; revision requested May 23 and received June 6; accepted June 18. Address correspondence to B.F.T. (e-mail: bernd.tomandl@stud.uni-erlangen.de).

The increasing capabilities of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and multisection spiral computed tomography (CT) to acquire volumetric data with near-isotropic voxels make three-dimensional (3D) postprocessing a necessity, especially in studies of complex structures like intracranial vessels. Since most modern CT and MR imagers provide limited postprocessing capabilities, 3D visualization with interactive direct volume rendering requires expensive graphics workstations that are not available at many institutions. An approach has been developed that combines fast visualization on a low-cost PC system with high-quality visualization on a high-end graphics workstation that is directly accessed and remotely controlled from the PC environment via the Internet by using a Java client. For comparison of quality, both techniques were applied to several neuroradiologic studies: visualization of structures related to the inner ear, intracranial aneurysms, and the brainstem and surrounding neurovascular structures. The results of pure PC-based visualization were comparable with those of many commercially available volume-rendering systems. In addition, the high-end graphics workstation with 3D texture-mapping capabilities provides visualization results of the highest quality. Combining local and remote 3D visualization allows even small radiologic institutions to achieve low-cost but high-quality 3D visualization of volumetric data.

Index Terms: Computed tomography (CT), image processing • Computed tomography (CT), three-dimensional, 10.12117 • Computed tomography (CT), volume rendering • Computers • Magnetic resonance (MR), image processing • Magnetic resonance (MR), three-dimensional, 10.121419

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